College Football 2012.

Can you believe it? We are 24 days away from the start of the 2012 College Football season. Nuts. Last season, the SEC made it SIX championships in a row (Florida-2, Alabama-2, Auburn-1, LSU-1). Will this be the year some other conference breaks through and wins a title? Could be, here are some things to look for this season, including my pick for the title, Heisman and best-looking quarterback…ok, not really.

1. Seriously, Will The SEC Win It All Again?

For those of us in Texas, the SEC talk is a bit maddening, and with the addition of Texas A&M to the conference, it won’t go away. While most people think the SEC is just a NFL division these days, they do have weaknesses and even their best teams can be beaten. Look for the same names to be challenging for a championship again, Alabama, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas, who all start the season in the top-10 of the coaches poll. Do I think the streak continues? No.

2. What Freshmen Will Make The Biggest Impact On Their New Teams?

There are a few that come to mind, but the first one I think about is Dorial Green-Beckham. This guy has an NFL-body already, and should do great on a pass-happy Mizzou team. Another youngster to watch is Wes Lunt from Oklahoma State. While I don’t think he is a Heisman winner, Lunt will be THE man for Mike Gundy’s Cowboys this season. One more is Mario Edwards at Florida State.

3. What Team That Switched It’s Conference Will Make The Biggest Splash?

Hmm, just to give you an idea, here they are: West Virginia, Texas A&M, Missouri, Fresno State, Hawaii, UMASS, Nevada, South Alabama, TCU, Temple, Texas State, and UT-San Antonio. Ok, so there they are. While I think WV is a good pick, it is the obvious pick, and we aren’t gonna do that, so give me TCU. They will be favored in their first seven games, and could be undefeated before taking on OSU on October 27. They have play-makers returning from a team that was a bit under the radar last season.

4. Who Will Be The Player NO ONE Knows Now But Will At The End of the Season?

Jeff Tuel, Quarterback, Washington State. Ok, so the Cougars have been HORRIBLE the past decade really, but there is ONE reason Tuel is the guy to watch, Mike Leach. Did you forget that Leach was now the head coach of the Cougars? That automatically gives Tuel about 4,600 yards and 39 TD’s, give or take. If anything, it will be fun to watch Wazzu this year.

5. Who Will Be The Most Disappointing Team of 2012?

Last year, I picked Texas A&M as that team and they didn’t disappoint, finishing 7-6 after being ranked in the top 10 preseason. This year, I think Oklahoma has a CHANCE to be the team. The expectations are HIGH for this team, meaning disappointment could happen easily. While the schedule looks “not too bad”, they still have to play Texas, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, and West Virginia.

6. Who Will Be The Surprise Team of 2012?

The Tennessee Volunteers were sure bad last year, but a schedule that does not include Auburn, LSU and Arkansas sure does look good in an already tough SEC schedule. Could they push for an East crown in the SEC? Perhaps, 19 starters are back from last season.

7. Who Will Win The Heisman Trophy?

It is going to be VERY hard to stop Matt Barkley from winning it, but there are a few other guys who will have a chance:
– Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
– Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma– Matt Barkley, QB, USC (My 2012 Heisman winner pick)
– Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

8. Who Will Win The National Title?

Well, the playoff that is coming will be good, which is the best way to determine this thing, but again, it’s not here yet.My Pick: Michigan over LSU – I have no idea why, but I think Shoelace has a crazy good year and things start off well with a HUGE win over Alabama.

Dark Horse Title Pick: Kansas State – A great quarterback with a scrappy defense.